Ben Hitchcock's killers still free, two years after fatal fight

Detectives today issued a new appeal to solve the murder of a London teenager with a plea to witnesses of the killing to come forward.

More than 50 teenagers are believed to have seen the fight that ended in the killing of 16-year-old Ben Hitchcock in Beckenham two years ago.

So far 33 of the group have been arrested but detectives believe at least 17 others could hold clues to the identity of the killer.

The new appeal comes after four youths were cleared this year of the murder.

Detectives say they need "new and compelling" evidence for a new trial.

Ben was stabbed in the back during a brawl involving up to 60 youths armed with knives, bottles and sticks in June 2007.

The fight erupted after a group of youths were refused entry to a private party.

Ben, a pupil at Kelsey Park Sports College in Bromley, collapsed with a fatal wound to the kidney, saying: "What have I done? Why are you doing this to me?"

Detective Inspector Stewart Kingston, who is leading the inquiry, said: "There were about 50 people at that fight and we have not spoken to all of them.

"The chances are that someone is still tortured by the knowledge that they could bring Ben's killer to court and ease some of the heartbreak his family is suffering. We will treat all calls in the strictest confidence."

Police have also revealed the knife used in the murder, one of many weapons recovered from the scene.